Process of applying coated fabrics to objects



UNITED STATES HENRY chum,

OP STRASS BUEG, FRANCE, ASSIGNOR 0P ONE-HALETO PHILIP DBINKEB, OF BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA.

10 Drawing.

To all whomitmy concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY GAULT, a citizen of the Republic of France, residing at Strassburg, Bas-Rhin, France, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Processes of Applying Coated Fabrics to Objects, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates particularly to a process for covering objects with coated fab-' rics but relates more especially to a process involving the use of fabrics coated with cellulose esters.

The object of my invention is to provide a process by means of which objects may be covered with coated fabrics, particularly fabrics coated with cellulose esters and especially a fabric covered with cellulose acetate, in order to secure the requisite tautness of the fabric.

Another object of my invention is to cover objects in this way in such a manner as to avoid as far as possible the escape of solvents used with the coating materials uti lized for coatin the fabrics.

Again, a furt er object is to cover such objects with the minimum amount of hand labor, as in my process much of the hand labor previously used is done away with.

Another object is to obtain a uniform product by utilizing a fabric provided with even thicknesses of the coating material.

Again, another object of my invention is to facilitate the transportation of the products by enabling the objects and covering materials to be shipped separately and combined upon, receipt of the same where the completed object is to be utilized.

Another object is to provide a process of this kind which is especially applicable for covering aeroplanes and parts thereof, as for example the wings, ailerons, fins, rudders,

tail pieces, etc.

Further objects of my invention will appear from the detailed description thereof contained hereinafter.

While my invention is capable of being carried out in many different ways for the se of illustration 1- shall describe only certain forms of my invention hereinafter.

For example, in carrying out my invention any part of an aeroplane, as for examples.

Specification of Letters Patent.

' -App1ication filed larch 18, 1920. Serial No. 865,622.

PROCESS OF APPLYING COATED FABRICS TO OBJECTS.

Patented Oct. 25, 1921.

wing thereof, which is to be covered with the coated fabric may be so covered at the factory where the wing is made, or the wing and the coated fabric may be shipped separately to the point of destination wherethe coated fabric may be applied thereto. In order to apply the coated fabric to the aeroplane wing, a fabric, such for example as linen, cotton or silk is first thoroughly dried in any suitable manner, after which I apply one coatin of a coating composition to the under sur ace thereof in any suitable manner, but preferably by passing the fabric through an artificial leather coating machine of any desired character and supplied with a suitable coating composition, as for exam.- plc a cellulose acetate coating composition. A composition suitable for this purpose would be a composition containing,

21% cellulose acetate,

10% phenol,

69% ethyl alcohol. It is to be understood, however, that various different ingredients may be used for this coating composition. Among the principal solvents used in the composition, however, may be mentioned acetone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone oil, methyl acetone, and the same may contain diluents, such for example as benzene or ethyl alcohol, and that in addition some high boiling solvents may be used such as benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate,

benzyl, acetate, furfurol, eugenol, etc., the purpose of which is to prevent the whitening of the materials remaining after evapora-.

tion of the solvents. Furthermore, a plastlc such as triphenyl phosphate may be added as well as phenol or cresol, and, if desired, a stabilizer may be introduced such as urea.

When this coating has dried on the fabric material is then allowed tion.

wing.

the cellulose acetate coatin referred to.

fabric is sewn together so as to fit the aeroplane wing. Thefabric is inthis condition if it is to beshipped apart from the wing and ap lied thereto at the point of destinathe aeroplane wing the fabric is now soaked in water for about 24 hours until it is completlelly saturated. The purpose of this step in t to be applied in such a way as to insure the coated fabric becoming stretched completely taut on the aero lane wing. This. is based upon theprincip e which I utilize, that fab IlCS which have been coated with cellulose acetate or other cellulose esters such as a cellulose nitrate when dampened with an appropriate liquid which causes the coating to swell up or tautness as they appreciably increase in area under these conditions and that thereafter when they are stretched on an object to be covered and dried the desired tautness will be obtained. Instead of soaking the coated fabric in water I may, instead, substitute for the water a dilute a lose acetate high boiling solvents, such for example as one of are following two compositions, v

95% water. 80% water,

5% phenol. 20% acetic acid.

Thereupon the wet coated fabric is stretched in any suitable manner and then stretched over the aeroplane wing in any suitable" manner .by any suitable mechanical means and fastened on the same in any suitable way, as for example by sewing, the application of adhesives, the use of nails, etc.

he. fabric on the aeroplane wing is then allowed to dry thoroughly for about 24 hours. This makes the fabric taut on the To the driedfabric 'on the wing I then apply a m0istening or coatin of a high boiling solvent mixture, such for example as the following composition.

15% acetone,

45% tetrachlorethane,

20% alcohol,

20% benzene.

of an air brush. The purpose of applying this high boiling solvent mixture is to enable the coated composition to work into the fabric in case it has .become loosened at any place. The. liquid washing or moistenin to evaporate unti the "fabric .is dry, wh reupon the fabric regains its. original nsion. Along the edges and ribs of the wing, protecting tapes or strips maybe applied and to these tapes there. may be applied by hand a coating of material above .The fabric is t en given a coating of a drying oil or a suitable varnish such n order to apply the coated fabric to e operation is to enablea coated fabric dissolve at least in part lose their queous solution of cellu wash and then applying 1s may be applied for example by means drying 1t,

'it to an obgect, drying it, and'applying a solvent was 2. The process which comprises apply' g a coating of a cellulose acetate to a fa ric drying it, then moistening the fabric, attaching it toan. object, drying it, and applying a so vent wash.v

3. The process which comprises applying a coating of cellulose ester to a fabric, drying it, then moistening the fabric, attaching may, if

to a fabric, dryit to a portion of an aeroplane, drying it,

and applying a solvent wash.

4. The process which comprises applying a coating of a cellulose ester to a fabric, drying it, then moistening the applying a solvent wash.

5. The. process which comprises applying a coating of a cellulose ester to a fabric, drying it, then moistening the fabric, attaching it to an object, drying it, applying a solvent layer. 6. The process which-comprises applying a coating of a cellulose acetate to a abric,

fabric, attaching. it to a wing of an aeroplane, drying'it, an

a moisture resisting drying it, then moistening the fabric, at-

tachlng it to an object, drying it, applying a solvent wash and then resisting layer.

7. The process which comprises applying a coating of a cellulose ester to a fabric, dryapplymg a moisture ing it, then moistening the fabric, attaching it to a portion of an aeroplane, drying it, applying a solvent washand then applying a moisture resistin layer.

8. The process w a coating of a cellulose ester to a fabrlc, drying it, then moistening the. fabric, attaching.

ich comprises applying it to an object, drying it, applying a solvent wash and then applying a moisture resisting layer of an oil.

9. he process which comprises applying a coating of a cellulose ester to a fabric, drying it, then moistening the fabric, attaching it to a portion of an aeroplane,'dr it, applying a solvent wash and then app moisture resisting layer of an oil.

The process-which comprises appl ing a coating of'a cellulose acetate to a fa then moistening the fabric, tachin it to a wing of an aeroplane, dryric, at-

ing it, applying a solvent wash and then ayiplying a moisture resisting layer of an 01 11. The process which comprises apply- 5 ing a coating of cellulose acetate to-a fabric,

drying it, then moistening the fabric, attaching it to the Wing of an aeroplane, drying the latter, ap lying a solvent wash, drying,

and then app ying a moisture resisting layer of an oil. 10 In testimony that, I claim the foregoing, I

have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of February, 1920.

HENRY GAULT. 

